Analysis & Reports

Japan and Vietnam are in discussions to potentially launch a joint project to build new fast landing vessels. The defense chiefs from both nations met recently in Japan to agree on this cooperation, which aims to enhance defense industrial collaboration. The envisioned vessels are designed for rapid transport of personnel and supplies from larger ships to shore, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries amid regional maritime pressures.

The UK announced a €300 million investment to support Ukraine's acquisition of 16 Gripen E fighter jets by 2029, aimed at modernizing its air force. This initiative includes training and logistical support but does not address Ukraine's immediate air defense needs against ongoing Russian attacks. The UK is also providing drones and air defense missiles this year to bolster Ukraine's capabilities in the short term.

Alexandra ReevesFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy commissioned the USS Massachusetts and USS Idaho in March and April 2026, respectively, each taking about 12 years from contract to commissioning. The delays are attributed to workforce challenges, material supply issues, and the complexity of the new Block V design. The Navy's current production rate is insufficient to meet its needs, resulting in a growing backlog of submarines.

L3Harris Technologies and Shield AI conducted the first live flight trial of their Distributed Spectrum Collaboration and Operations (DiSCO) system in the United States. This event marks a significant milestone in the development of electronic warfare capabilities.

The U.S. Military has expended over 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles in operations against Iran as of July 17, 2026, with estimates indicating 2,000 to 3,000 missiles remain. Following the collapse of a ceasefire on July 8, strikes resumed, raising concerns about the sustainability of U.S. missile stockpiles for future conflicts, particularly against China or Russia. The current production rate of Tomahawk missiles is insufficient to replenish the inventory depleted in the ongoing conflict.

The Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom will highlight advancements in sixth-generation fighter jets and increased interest in drone production. A team will be present to provide daily updates, including reports, videos, and photos from the exhibition.

Germany is purchasing 4 MEKO A-200 DEU frigates for 6.3 billion euros to replace the canceled F126 program, which faced delays and cost overruns. Saab will provide key sensor and combat management systems for these ships. The decision aims to enhance NATO capabilities in the Atlantic, North Sea, and Baltic Sea by ensuring timely availability of naval assets.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) is set for delivery to the U.S. Navy in March 2027, marking a significant delay since its first steel was cut in February 2011. The construction challenges stem from limited shipyard capacity in Newport News, Virginia, and a shortage of skilled labor. As a result, the U.S. Navy operates only ten aircraft carriers, below the required eleven, impacting operational readiness.

The Ukrainian Security Service conducted a drone strike on a Tu-95 strategic bomber at Engels military airport in Saratov Oblast, Russia, on July 17. The bomber was severely damaged, with its tail completely detached. This operation aimed to weaken Russian military and economic capabilities, indicating that even remote military installations are no longer safe for Russian forces.

On July 17, 2023, the Ukrainian Security Service destroyed a Tu-95 bomber in Engels, Russia, approximately 800 kilometers from Ukraine. This incident highlights the ongoing degradation of Russian strategic aviation capabilities, as the Tu-95 is a rare asset that cannot be quickly replaced. The attack signifies Ukraine's effective long-range strike capabilities against Russian military infrastructure.

Dmitri VolkovFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) celebrated 10 years of operations at the Flight Test and Training Center (FTTC) in Grand Forks, North Dakota, which has trained over 4,000 pilots and sensor operators. The FTTC has facilitated significant milestones in unmanned aircraft systems, including the first transatlantic flight of the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft in 2018. GA-ASI continues to play a crucial role in the development and training of UAS capabilities for international customers.

The European Union and Ukraine signed a drone deal to enhance the production of unmanned systems, aiming to increase Ukraine's drone output from 10 million to 20 million annually. This agreement includes joint ventures between selected Ukrainian and European defense companies, with an initial meeting scheduled in Brussels. The EU has committed €1 billion to bolster Ukraine's drone capabilities as part of its support.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a counterattack on July 17 against U.S. forces at Udeid Air Base in Qatar, destroying a long-range radar system and several strategic refueling aircraft. This action was in retaliation for a prior U.S. attack on Iranian non-military targets. Iran issued a warning to the U.S. regarding the consequences of attacking civilians and infrastructure.

The Farnborough Airshow, taking place from July 20 to 24, 2023, will prominently feature defense, with half of the 1,600 exhibitors focusing on weapons and technology due to escalating global security risks. The Royal Air Force's Air Chief Marshal highlighted the evolving security threats, while defense spending in Europe is at its highest since the Cold War. Companies are increasingly investing in AI and drone technology to meet military needs.

Saudi Arabia requested the purchase of 20,000 APKWS-II guidance sections from the U.S. for $1.96 billion, aimed at enhancing its air defense capabilities. The deal includes various support equipment and training, with BAE Systems as the primary contractor. This request comes amid increasing threats from Houthi forces, indicating a strategic shift towards more cost-effective munitions for defense operations.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Jul 17 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force doubled its planned F-15EX Eagle II fleet from 129 to 267 aircraft in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget due to capacity shortfalls and delays in the F-35 program. This decision reflects a shift in strategy to address immediate fighter capacity needs, with plans to increase production at Boeing's St. Louis plant. The F-15EX will be stationed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, enhancing the Air Force's operational capabilities in the Pacific region.

Russia has begun modifying its Molniya attack drones by adding magnetic compasses and onboard cameras to enhance navigation capabilities, particularly in environments where satellite signals are jammed. This development, reported by Ukrainian defense advisor Serhii Beskrestnov, highlights a cost-effective approach to drone technology amidst ongoing electronic warfare. The modifications allow these drones to operate independently of GPS systems, making them more resilient against jamming tactics.

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) destroyed a Tupolev Tu-95 strategic bomber at Engels airfield in Russia in July 2025. This operation is part of Ukraine's ongoing long-range strikes against Russian military targets. The Tu-95 had been utilized by Russia for missile strikes against Ukraine, and its destruction represents a significant loss for Russia's strategic bomber fleet.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles and drones on July 17, destroying multiple U.S. military aircraft in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on non-military targets in Southern Iran the previous night. The U.S. strikes targeted infrastructure in Abbas Port, including bridges and residential areas, resulting in casualties.

Ukrainian officials, including Commissioner Vlasiuk, criticized claims from the electronic warfare industry about the ability to deflect Russian ballistic missiles. Filimonov from Kvertus asserted that electronic warfare could influence missile accuracy, while the Night Watch group claimed success in disrupting a missile strike. However, skepticism remains, with reports indicating that several missiles have successfully hit their targets despite these claims.